Sporting News experts said Mississippi State had winnable games ahead and could be undefeated heading to Tuscaloosa for an Oct. 27 tilt with the top-ranked and defending national champion Crimson Tide.

And Mississippi State football has put a pep in the step of some of its former greats.

“I think it would be a great momentum booster if these guys would beat Tennessee and Middle Tennessee the following week,” said Michael Haddix, Mississippi State’s fifth all-time leading rusher with 2,558 yards from 1979-82. “It would take them into the Alabama week with a lot of momentum and a lot of confidence. If you can hit Alabama with that kind of confidence and playing with a little swagger, I think those guys have a chance to win.”

Wins against Alabama don’t come often for Mississippi State. The Bulldogs have lost eight of the past 10 meetings, only twice dropping the Crimson Tide in 2006 and ’07. But it’s also not every year the Bulldogs start the season 5-0. In fact, it’s just the fourth time in 113 seasons that’s happened. The 1999 team that finished 10-2 (and lost at Alabama, 19-7) started a school-best 8-0.

“I believe if we go 7-0, we have the team and players to go into Alabama and beat them,” said former Bulldogs receiver Eric Moulds. “We always play well against Bama there and if we play smart, make plays and don’t have turnovers, we can be 8-0. Tyler Russell will be key to that game—if he can handle pressure they put on and multiple coverages Nick Saban will show. They use a lot of pro coverages and if he can handle them, we will come out with a win.”

Haddix, who moved from New Jersey to just outside Athens, Ga., just a couple of months ago, said first things first: Win these next two games, then think about Bama.

“I think if we win against Tennessee, win against Middle Tennessee, then going into the Alabama game, it might be one those 6-3 games we played in back in the day. It’s going to be a battle. I don’t think that these guys are going to back down. Hopefully they’ll walk in 7-0 and with confidence on their side, anything can happen.”

Haddix went 1-3 against the Tide, including a 6-3 win in 1980.

Whatever happens Saturday and in the coming weeks, the excitement surrounding Mississippi State is clear.

“Dan Mulen has been a blessing for our school and is a great game-planning coach and a great motivator,” said Moulds, the school’s No. 2 all-time leading receiver and three-time Pro Bowler in the NFL. “He is a player’s coach and a no-nonsense coach at the same time. He wants the players to be successful on and off the field. I’m really impressed with him as a class act. I wouldn't be surprised at all if we were in the SEC championship game in the next couple years with him coaching.”